trottytrue

Then I will never get in unless I cheat

Karrie72

Many of them were Eastenders, pretty tough and resourceful. And you're right, most of them didn't have a clue what they were getting into. But once they were here, that was it, you had to make a go of it. Maybe thats an advantage to our wobbly moments of indecision in these modern times. Yes, we can go back...but should we etc.

If I can find my kindle I'll post the link to the book. It was truly fascinating and I could relate to so much of her emotions.

Sally Redux

That would be good.

Karrie72

Hopeless at computers/links blah blah.

But the book is called; 'The GI Bride' by Iris Jones Simantel.

She has a follow up to that about her marriage, how she settled in etc which I also loved called; 'Far From the East End.'

Really compelling reading for anyone interested in war history and immigration etc. We think we have it bad, but those ladies were really brave!

Sally Redux

Indeed! Thanks.

Karrie72

They're great summer reads and un put downable!

WEBlue

Exactly this happened to a neighbor of mine back in the UK. During the war, she married an ever-so-charming Yank soldier who wooed her with gifts and sweet-talk about his "huge" property in South Dakota. Turned out it WAS a big house but hours' drive from any sign of civilization, in the middle of nowhere, with brutal winters, long summer droughts .... And he wasn't happy with her complaining about the life and turned quite abusive.

She was afraid to reveal the truth to her family back in Blighty, but after her husband died in the 80s she could return to her home country without shame... after putting up with a life she hated for 40-odd years!

Karrie72

Wow! And she lived to tell the tale... There was a really good movie about war brides on netflix, sounds like your neighbor weblue

Derrygal

I love to read and love World War II history so will definitely look out for those books. Thanks!

between two worlds

Fascinating stuff about Bletchley and the war brides etc.

I am so glad this thread is coming alive again--lovely to hear from everyone-- including trotty with another wise reminder to just get on with it (going home) if you possibly can!

It's great there are lots of posts again and I am glad windsong is sharing what is going on--I agree with Mallory and Mummy in the Foothills who have pointed out how stressful it all must be for her....let's cut her some slack...

She, like everyone, is welcome to post here--I hope she is wrong that we are "clannish"--I don't think so, and hope we show that in practice, to her and everyone.

Rodney, sorry to hear about your health issues...must be stressful.... hope it's all resolved soon.

jasper123

Hi John,
Yes it was all the info that they got from the monitor thats inside me that led to the appointment I had recently with my cardiologist that made him decide that a pacemaker is what I need, the NHS is wonderful!!! and even if I do have to wait for the usual 6 to 8 weeks I dont think that is a long time at all, Im just very grateful for all the treatment Im getting,
Hope you and June are doing fine, take care,
Rodney.

formula

I went there last year while they were doing it up. I posted about it on this thread last (?) week. Fantastic place. The entry pass was £15 for a years pass. Well worth a visit.

EDIT Page 673 on this thread.

formula

One of my relatives went as a GI bride. I was told that her father stood and wept saying that he would never see her again.

WEBlue

Well, my neighbour always said those 40 years in America had left their mark on her... She had health problems that stemmed from her husband's refusal to believe she was sick--and his stringiness in not wanting to pay for tests & doctors.

She was so appreciative of the NHS! LOL, wouldn't let anyone ever whinge about it in her presence.

trottytrue

Formula...I went back and read your posting on 473 very interesting, I wonder if there is a book that goes into detail about the birds used in the War along with other less known facts.

I remember when I left the UK my parents were at the airport to see me off I often wonder what my Father was thinking he was quite old at that time 77, I really don't know what I was thinking I was caught up in the excitement of a life in Florida. If I had only known. I did return a year later he was really happy to see me and I was able to be with him when he died just a year later. I should have stayed and stood my ground 5 years later.